The Bo-Kaap is a quirky suburb of Cape Town, also known as the Cape Malay Quarter. It is quintessentially a township located on the slopes of Signal Hill; rich in both culture and colour, with brightly painted homes and cobble stoned streets.  Walking along the sidewalks, you cannot help but become transfixed by the accepting and friendly nature of this neighbourhood with its flower box windows, rooftop decks, art galleries, gay clubs, salsa venues, cafés, and the sound of prayer from the mosques.

Stay in the area:

De Waterkant Village lies sandwiched between the city and the V&A Waterfront. Facilities include a braai area, laundry service, and concierge. Pets are welcome by arrangement.

Rouge on Rose is a 4-star boutique hotel with 9 beautiful suites. The owners have lived in Cape Town a while and can offer advice on where to get dinner reservations, shopping locations, coffee shops, and craft beer venues. Facilities include a bar and free internet.

Upperbloem is set high up in the Malay Quarter with views over Table Bay and the city centre. They offer self-catering rooms, continental buffet breakfast, communal kitchen, sea and mountain facing rooms. Facilities include a swimming pool, braai area, laundry service, and airport transfers.

The Charles is an intimate guesthouse with exceptional city views opposite the al fresco styled Cape Quarter piazza. Facilities include airport transfers, braai area, free Wi-Fi, and laundry service.
Have you explored the Bo-Kaap? Let us know your favourite thing to do here in the comments below.

Main image by vaizha (Flickr)